Meat & Livestock News

Irish Beef Exports to China Halted: A Setback for the Agricultural Sector

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has expressed disappointment over the recent suspension of Irish beef exports to China, a decision prompted by the discovery of an atypical case of BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy). The Tánaiste, currently on an official visit to China, stressed that the swift identification of the case through routine checks by the Department of […]

Australia Surpasses New Zealand in Lamb Production, Marking a Shift in Global Agriculture

Recent trends in the global sheepmeat industry have seen a significant shift, with Australian lamb production now outstripping that of New Zealand. This change marks a reversal of the long-standing dynamic where New Zealand traditionally led in lamb slaughter volumes. Slaughter Trends and Agricultural Shifts Since September 2022, the gap between Australian and New Zealand […]

UK Pork Imports Climb as Domestic Supply Dips

The UK’s pork imports have seen an uptick, reaching 65,600 tonnes in August. This is a rise from both the previous month and August last year. The increase comes as the UK’s own pork production has decreased, with the current pig count at its lowest in a decade. While overall pig meat purchases have slightly […]

Northern Ireland’s Meat Industry Braces for Impact Amid Official Vets’ Strike

In the wake of a planned strike by official veterinarians in Northern Ireland, the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) has highlighted that the slaughtering of livestock—cattle, pigs, sheep, and poultry—cannot proceed without the presence of these vets in abattoirs. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) of Stormont, which is responsible for employing […]

Arable Market Overview – 30 October 2023

Monday, 30 October 2023 The grain and oilseed markets have seen a series of fluctuations this week, influenced by both UK and global events. Grains Overview: Wheat, Maize, and Barley: Short-term grain markets are displaying volatility, reacting to updates on South American weather and Black Sea exports. In the long run, the abundance of global […]

2023 Harvest in the UK Confirms Lower Quality Wheat and Barley

The recent Cereal Quality Survey has confirmed that both wheat and barley from the 2023 harvest in the UK have shown a decline in quality, including specific weights. This decline is attributed to the wet weather conditions experienced during the harvest season. Wheat Insights: Barley Insights:

Wheat Market Faces Downward Pressure: An Analysis of Current Trends

In recent times, the wheat market has experienced a downturn, with UK feed wheat futures for November 2023 closing at £184.80/t, a decline of £1.20/t from the previous day. The futures for November 2024 also saw a dip, settling at £201.30/t after a decrease of £0.80/t. Internationally, wheat markets are under strain. Both Chicago and […]

Japan Welcomes British Cooked Poultry Meat

British-cooked poultry meat is set to grace Japanese dining tables, following a new market access agreement that promises to benefit UK farmers, meat processors, and exporters. The industry projects that this market could generate over £10 million in revenue within the next five years. Previously, the UK had been exporting poultry meat to Japan since […]

September 2023: A Defining Moment for the UK Lamb Market—A Detailed Analysis

Import-Export Dynamics: A New Era for the Lamb Market Recent data underscores a significant shift in the UK lamb market, with import volumes for the first time in 2023 exceeding those of the previous year. A substantial portion of these imports is being sourced from New Zealand and Australia, where competitive pricing has emerged as […]

Beef Market Update – September 2023

Prices: In September, GB deadweight prices experienced a recovery after a previous decline. Prime cattle prices rose by nearly 4%, averaging 473.6p/kg for the month. Concurrently, cull cow prices also saw a 4% increase, averaging 329.4p/kg. Costs: The past quarter witnessed a steady rise in fuel prices, influenced by the broader oil markets. There were […]